CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/592,709, filed Jul. 30, 2004, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pet utility belt having a plurality of configured compartments and attaching means for enabling the carrying of items specifically used while walking a dog.
2. Description of Related Art
Most towns and major cities have laws that require dogs to be walked only with a leash and have subsequent laws requiring that owners clean up after their dogs. Dog walking outside is seen as a good way to exercise dogs. Especially for dog owners in an urban area, the only means to curb their dogs is by walking them outside. Currently, a person can independently carry several items, such as bags for picking up dog waste by carrying each item on their person. It is desirable to have a device which can be ready when the dog itself is ready to go out and which can combine items needed for taking a dog on a walk.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a pet utility belt including at least one compartment configured to receive items related to a dog walk and at least one clip for attachment of an item, such as a dog leash. During operation, the wearer of the belt can quickly put the belt on when he/she is ready to go out. The compartments can be pre-filled with specific items so that no additional time is spent gathering the necessary items for dog walking, such as, treats to reward the dog, bags to pick up the dog's waste, a flashlight for dusk or nighttime walking, especially around dark neighborhoods or parks, mace for possibly defending oneself against stray dogs, an umbrella in case it starts raining or the weather is bad, a wallet to hold money to allow the wearer the ability to buy sundries for themselves or the dog. In addition, a clip can be part of the belt will allow for easy hands-free use during dog walking. Also, clipping the leash to the belt allows the wearer of the belt the ability to pick up the dog's waste and still maintain control of the dog. A second clip can be used for clipping keys or a key chain to the belt to provide easy access for the wearer of the belt to lock and unlock their residence.
The invention will be more fully described by reference to the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a pet utility belt in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference will now be made in greater detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram ofpet utility belt10 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Belt12 is configured to include at least one compartment and at least one clip for holding and attaching items that may be used during walking a dog. Belt12 can be worn around the waist or hip area of a user and can be closed by use of clasp13a,13b. It will be appreciated that other means, such as a buckle, can be used to attach belt12 to a user. Belt12 can be made of a flexible material such as canvas or cloth. Alternatively, belt12 can be made of a material such as leather, as long as the belt itself can be adjusted to fit various body widths. Clasps13a,13bcan be made of metal with one clasp13battached on the left side of belt12 and the second clasp13aattached on the right side of belt12. When clasp13aand clasp13bclip together, they form a strong bond and allow the belt to close securely around a user's body.
Pressure point14 can be attached to rear15 of belt12 to be worn towards the middle of the back of the user.Pressure point14 can be formed of a material for providing comfort to a user. For example,pressure point14 can be made of plastic and is wrapped around belt12 on rear15 of belt12 so that it lies against a person's body to soften or alleviate pressure caused by wearing belt12.
Adjustable extension16 can be attached to belt12 for adjusting the length of belt12 so that belt12 can be worn by people of various girths.
Compartment20 is coupled to or integral with belt12 and is configured of a size to enable it to hold currency. Compartment20 can be closed by closing means21. Suitable closing means21 include a zipper, hook and loop material such as Velcro™ or a button. Compartment20 can be made of a flexible material, such as leather, canvas or plastic. Compartment20 can be round or rectangular shaped.
Compartment22 is coupled to or integral with belt12. Compartment22 is configured of a size to enable it to hold dog treats. Compartment22 can be closed byclosing means24. Suitable closing means24 include a zipper, hook and loop material such as Velcro™ or a button. Compartment22 can be made of flexible material, such as canvas plastic or cloth. Compartment22 can be round or rectangular shaped.
Compartment25 is coupled to or integral with belt12.Compartment25 is configured of a size to enable it to receive and store bags for picking up dog waste.Compartment25 can be elongated to allow at least one but not greater than three bags to be received and stores incompartment25.Compartment25 can be closed by closing means26. Suitable closing means26 include hook and loop material such as Velcro™ or a pressure-snap.Compartment25 can be made of a rigid material such as rigid plastic and can be rectangular in shape.
Compartment27 is coupled to or integral with belt12. Compartment27 is configured of a size to enable it to hold a flashlight. Compartment27 can have a tube shape withtop end28 open andbottom end29 closed. Compartment27 can be made of a rigid material such as leather or plastic.
Compartment30 is coupled to or integral with belt12.Compartment30 is configured of a size to enable it to receive and store a mace dispenser or a pocket knife.Compartment30 can be closed withclosing means31. Suitable closing means31 include a zipper, hook and loop material such as Velcro™ or a pressure snap.Compartment30 can be made of a rigid material such as plastic, leather or canvas.Compartment30 can be tubular in shape so that it can be used to store a mace dispenser or a small pocket knife.
Compartment32 is coupled to or integral with belt12.Compartment32 is configured of a size to enable it to receive and store an umbrella.Compartment32 can be tube shaped withtop end33 open andbottom end34 closed.Compartment32 can be made of a rigid material, such as leather or plastic, and can be tubular in shape so that it can be used to store a small umbrella.
Clip40 is coupled to or integral with belt12.Clip40 is configured of a size to enable it to hold keys or a key chain.Clip40 can be made of a metal material and include clasp43. Clasp43 can be opened and closed to securely receive and hold keys or a key chain.
Clip44 is coupled to or integral with belt12. Clip44 is configured of a size to enable it to hold a clip of a dog leash. Clip44 can be made of a metal material and includes clasp45. Clasp45 can be opened and closed to securely receive and hold dog leash46, thereby connecting leash46 to belt12 to allow a person free use of both their hands to perform other operations, such as picking up the dog's waste.
It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative of only a few of the many possible specific embodiments, which can represent applications of the principles of the invention. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be readily devised in accordance with these principles by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.